The Spider Plant, Chlorophytum comosum, is a species of Chlorophytum native to South Africa.
Spider plants have long narrow leaves that are 20–40 cm (8–15 in) long and 5–20 mm (0.2–0.8 in) broad, which grow from a central rosette. At the spot where a leaf would normally develop a node, these plants will produce adventitious roots down into the soil, and new above ground shoots. It also produces branched stolons with small white flowers and baby plantlets.
It is a popular houseplant. The most widely grown is the variegated cultivar 'Variegatum', with one or two broad yellowish-white bands running along the length of each leaf, but natural, entirely green plants are also grown. The Spider Plant is an especially popular plant with beginners, as it is easy to grow and propagate and is very tolerant of neglect, being able to thrive in a wide range of conditions.[2]
Spider plants have also been shown to reduce indoor air pollution.[3]
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Propagating
Spider Plants can be propagated by splitting its main rosette, or more easily by removing plantlets from the stolons and potting them separately or putting them in a glass of water. They will root readily in water but establish faster in soil while still attached to the parent plant. Pinning the plantlet to the soil with a bent paper clip can be helpful. Make sure the soil is damp and well draining. The plantlet can then be removed from the parent plant in 7-10 days.
References
- ^ "Chlorophytum comosum information from NPGS/GRIN". www.ars-grin.gov. http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?10301. Retrieved on 2008-03-17.
- ^ "Spider plants". Virginia Cooperative Extension. August 1996. http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/envirohort/factsheets/pottedplants/spdrpl.html. Retrieved on 2009-04-17.
- ^ B. C. Wolverton, Rebecca C. McDonald, and E. A. Watkins, Jr. "Foliage Plants for Removing Indoor Air Pollutants from Energy-efficient Homes". http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/ssctrs.ssc.nasa.gov/foliage_air/foliage_air.pdf. Retrieved on 2007-05-03.
See also
External links
- BEST OF NASA SPINOFFS- a list of technologies and scientific data that resulted from research by NASA (through NASA.gov)
- Spider plant profile from the Virginia Cooperative Extension
- More information on pollutant-absorbing plants
Gallery
Categories: Agavaceae | Flora of South Africa | Ornamental plants
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